Voluntary recording scheme reveals ongoing decline in the United Kingdom hazel dormouse Muscardinus

The UK National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP) has demonstrated a continued decline of this key conservation species. "Dormice face a range of problems: climate change and habitat loss are likely to be important, but we think that appropriate woodland management could make a big difference," said Prof. Robbie McDonald. The decline is also likely to be linked to declining hazel mast due to the impacts of hedgerow management and grey squirrels. Dormice will continue therefore to be a key species for South West developments!

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